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Let's make a deal: Important negotiations ongoing for teams |
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In today's NHL, it has become increasingly more important for NHL teams to be as crafty, slick and creative in the general manager's chair as they are at center ice.
Imagine where the Calgary Flames would be this season if Brad Treliving hadn't maneuvered to land Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar and Nazem Kadri after Johnny Gaudreau booked and Matthew Tkachuk said he wanted to leave.
Nobody could have guessed that Jarmo Kekalainen could close a deal to bring Gaudreau to Columbus. Everyone said the Vancouver Canucks wouldn't be able to keep all of their premium talent, yet slowly and surely GM Patrik Allvin has gotten his deals done.
But not all of the contract work is completed. Here are negotiations that are worth keeping an eye on:
Boston Bruins/David Pastrnak: He has scored 34 or more goals in five of the past six seasons. At age 26, Pastrnak is key to the Bruins this season and beyond. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand are on the back nine of their careers. It's critical to re-sign Pastrnak. He will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Getting Pastrnak signed doesn't feel like a slam dunk. Far from it. The Bruins would get plenty for Pastrnak if they have to move him. But that's not their objective.
Detroit Red Wings/Dylan Larkin: This is a hometown hero. He grew up rooting for the Red Wings. He is the team's captain. Larkin is popular with teammates. This was supposed to be an easy signing, even though he can be an unrestricted free agent next summer. But it's September and there's no deal.
Detroit Red Wings/Tyler Bertuzzi: The expectation was these negotiations were going to be bumpy. The Red Wings appreciate Bertuzzi as a player, but haven't appreciated negotiating contracts with him. GM Steve Yzerman doesn't discuss negotiations in public. But you could sense some tension going into this one. If they can't get Bertuzzi signed, would they consider trading him? That seems like a possibility.
Colorado Avalanche/Nathan MacKinnon: Why would MacKinnon leave Colorado? The talent level is high. The Avalanche have opportunity to win multiple Stanley Cups. Everyone expects the Avalanche to open the vault for MacKinnon. No one sees him becoming a UFA next summer.
Dallas Stars/Jason Robertson: After signing Jake Oettinger for a $4 million average, the Dallas Stars have $6.3 million in cap space remaining. This is enough for a bridge deal but not enough to get Robertson signed to a long-term deal. Robertson scored 41 goals last season. The Stars would love to have him tied up for many years.
Montreal Canadiens/Kirby Dach: Reports say the two sides are close on a bridge deal paying an average $3.5 million per season. Is Dach a No. 2 or No. 3 center? You have to decide that before you can pass judgment on that kind of deal.
Toronto Maple Leafs/Rasmus Sandin: It's fair to wonder whether Sandin is looking at Rielly Morgan, Jake Muzzin and Mark Giordano as left-shot defensemen and wondering how he fits. Is it just money holding up the deal or is there more to it?
Blogger •HHOF Writer's column on the NHL • 
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